Former Manchester United youth coach names academy graduate who can be 'tremendous'

Former Manchester United youth coach Neil Ryan has backed Scott McTominay to become a tremendous player at Old Trafford.

Due to his call-up for the Nations League internationals, McTominay has not yet returned to pre-season training like some of his teammates. On his return, McTominay will be hopeful of cementing himself in Erik ten Hag's plans.

Ten Hag has already made it clear that improving the midfield is his top priority this summer. Progress is currently being made to bring Frenkie de Jong to the Theatre of Dreams and with the likes of Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic having left the club, there are a number of places still up for grabs.

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Ryan, who was at United for 19 years up until recently, believes that McTominay has what it takes to be an important player for United for years to come. He told The Athletic: "Scott can be a tremendous player for the club.

"He has taken a hell of a lot on his shoulders, borne the brunt of a lot of criticism, but put him in a successful playing group he’ll hopefully flourish. His mentality is second to none. His character is the X Factor for him. He had a lot of injuries as a young boy.

"He hardly played in the youth team because of injuries. I remember him telling me about leaving training at 17, getting picked up by his dad, crying in car on the way back home: ‘I’m never gonna be a footballer because of my injuries’.

"He fought through that. There have been times when he’s been outstanding, times when it’s been tough for him - that is the pressure of a Man United player. That’s his challenge. I’m sure he’s up for that."

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